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Photographs of the preserved upper (premolar (p 2–4) and molar (m 1–2) teeth) and lower premolar tooth showing wear patterns. Red arrows indicate areas of extensive tooth wear. © Karastoyanova et al 2026 |
Archaeological discoveries, particularly well-preserved skeletons, can reveal signs of riding, traction, or other forms of domestication.
Researchers in Bulgaria, led by Nadezhda Karastoyanova, examined an ancient horse skeleton recovered during excavations at an early settlement site in Chirpan, located in the Thracian Valley. The site contained numerous animal remains found in close association with human activity, suggesting an integrated human-animal environment. The full findings of this study have been published in the International Journal of Paleopathology.
Radiocarbon dating places the skeleton in the Early Iron Age, about the 8th century BCE. This makes it one of the few well-documented equine skeletons from this period in Bulgaria, providing valuable insight into early horse use in the region. The relatively complete condition of the specimen allowed researchers to carry out a detailed examination of both the skull and axial skeleton. Such a high level of preservation is essential for identifying subtle indicators of human-horse interaction, including evidence of management, workload, and possible domestication practices.
One of the most significant findings was unusual wear on the horse’s teeth.
Patterns of wear on the premolars were consistent with what is often described
as “bit wear,” caused by repeated contact with a bridle and bit placed in the
horse’s mouth. This type of wear typically appears as smoothing or bevelling on
the anterior edges of the teeth and is widely regarded as evidence of human
control, particularly in ridden or driven horses.
The presence of dental wear suggests that this horse may have been accustomed to carrying a rider or being directed through reins. While alternative explanations such as natural abrasion must always be considered, the pattern and location of the wear strongly support the interpretation of deliberate bit use. This provides important evidence for early horsemanship practices.
Examination of the vertebral column revealed several notable pathological
changes. These included periosteal bone proliferation, spondylopathic
alterations, and partial fusion between adjacent vertebrae. Together, these
features indicate a chronic condition rather than an acute injury.
Periosteal bone proliferation reflects the body’s response to repeated stress, leading to new bone formation along the vertebrae. Spondylopathic changes suggest degeneration of the spinal joints, often associated with long-term mechanical loading. Partial vertebral fusion represents a more advanced stage, where the spine becomes less flexible due to the joining of vertebrae.
These changes are consistent with prolonged biomechanical strain acting on the horse’s back. Rather than resulting from a single traumatic event, the lesions point to repeated loading over an extended period. In modern contexts, similar patterns are often associated with ridden horses, pack animals, or those used for draught work.
When considered together, the dental and skeletal evidence provides a
compelling picture of how this horse may have been used. The presence of bit
wear suggests active human control, while the spinal changes indicate sustained
physical demands placed on the animal.
It is therefore plausible that this horse was used for riding, carrying loads, or possibly pulling light vehicles or equipment. The chronic nature of the vertebral lesions implies that such activities were performed regularly over the animal’s lifetime. This supports the idea that horses were not only domesticated but also integrated into daily human activities requiring endurance and strength.
The combination of dental wear and vertebral pathology in this ancient horse skeleton offers valuable evidence for early human–horse relationships. Bit-related dental wear indicates controlled handling, while spinal lesions reveal the physical impact of sustained work. Together, these findings contribute to our understanding of how horses were used in the past, highlighting their important role in transport, labour, and possibly riding. Such studies continue to deepen our knowledge of domestication and the long-standing partnership between humans and horses.
For more details, see:
Nadezhda Karastoyanova, Petar Stamberov, Stella Nikolova, Petar Leshtakov,
Early Iron Age horse exploitation in Thrace (Bulgaria) inferred from dental attrition and vertebral pathology,
International Journal of Paleopathology,(2026) Vol 52, Pp 119-127,
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